The editorial discusses the paradox of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the unintended consequences of lockdown measures on domestic violence. While measures to control the virus have been essential, they have also increased the risk of domestic violence, particularly affecting children and women. Domestic violence, especially intimate partner violence (IPV), has risen during the pandemic, with reports of increased calls to domestic abuse helplines in several countries. The pandemic has created a situation where staying at home, which was intended to protect people, has instead made it more dangerous for those in abusive relationships. Lockdowns have restricted escape routes and increased the power of abusers, making it harder for victims to seek help. The editorial emphasizes the need for governments to support services that help victims, including ensuring access to personal protective equipment, adequate funding, and safe ways for victims to contact emergency services without alerting their abusers. It also highlights the increased risk of domestic homicide during the pandemic, with reports of domestic violence fatalities in several countries. The editorial calls for a critical re-evaluation of the impact of lockdown measures on vulnerable individuals and the need for governments to prioritize the protection of victims of domestic violence. It stresses the importance of supporting services that help victims and ensuring that these services remain accessible during the pandemic. The editorial concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to the pandemic, one that protects public health while also addressing the increased risks of domestic violence.The editorial discusses the paradox of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the unintended consequences of lockdown measures on domestic violence. While measures to control the virus have been essential, they have also increased the risk of domestic violence, particularly affecting children and women. Domestic violence, especially intimate partner violence (IPV), has risen during the pandemic, with reports of increased calls to domestic abuse helplines in several countries. The pandemic has created a situation where staying at home, which was intended to protect people, has instead made it more dangerous for those in abusive relationships. Lockdowns have restricted escape routes and increased the power of abusers, making it harder for victims to seek help. The editorial emphasizes the need for governments to support services that help victims, including ensuring access to personal protective equipment, adequate funding, and safe ways for victims to contact emergency services without alerting their abusers. It also highlights the increased risk of domestic homicide during the pandemic, with reports of domestic violence fatalities in several countries. The editorial calls for a critical re-evaluation of the impact of lockdown measures on vulnerable individuals and the need for governments to prioritize the protection of victims of domestic violence. It stresses the importance of supporting services that help victims and ensuring that these services remain accessible during the pandemic. The editorial concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to the pandemic, one that protects public health while also addressing the increased risks of domestic violence.